There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . . Ecclesiastes 3:1

So, I bet you thought I had forgotten about the little “mini-series” I started back around Thanksgiving. The one I was calling “I’m thankful for . . .”?? It’s likely after all this time that YOU forgot about it! I didn’t forget, really. It’s just that life kind of tripped me up and distracted me. It has a habit of wrapping me up in it, life does, and I have a hard time stepping back to take a moment to write down the things bouncing around in my head. Oh, but there are so many things to write.

Anyhoo, back to the subject matter of this post. Marissa Lynn, the 4th child in our line up of offspring. Our “Rissa-Roo”. Or “Riss”. Often just “Roo”. Short little names for such a big heart in a little package. Marissa is complicated. Oh my, is she ever difficult to sum up. But I’m going to do my best, and tell you 5 things I love best about her. Well, they may not be what I love *best*. Because tomorrow I’ll likely think of things I may love more and it’s kind of hard to narrow it down to just 5, but these came to mind the quickest and so they’re what’s going down.

#1 — Her water runs deep. You know, due to her speech delays at an early age, people would often make the mistake of thinking she couldn’t understand what THEY were saying just because she couldn’t SAY what she was thinking. But she was taking it all in. And still does. She’s computing and paying attention and analyzing. She’s thinking quickly and converses with people. I mean, answers questions and then asks some back. A genuine conversation, with such a little person. It’s beautiful. I’m often so amazed at what comes out of her mouth after such times. “I feel sad that . . . “ and “When [so and so] said [such and such], I thought in my head ‘That’s not appropriate’.” I just love her depth.

#2 — She is feisty. Whew, is she ever! You do not want to get on her bad side. We’ve chuckled (and imitated) a recent phrase of hers, “You’re makin’ me mad!” Complete with hand motions and a face showing implosion is near! Don’t be alarmed. We’re working on self-control. ‘Cause self-control is a good thing to learn sooner than later. But I love what a fire-cracker, spitfire she is. It has served her well, and we have oft seen why God made her that way. She’s fought through early-childhood seizures, belly-aches, and tests and therapies and misunderstanding of her. She’s got spunk and attitude and we pray for wisdom to guide it. But we love that God put it there in her. She’s a ball of fun and wit.

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#3 — She’s thoughtful. I cannot get over how others-oriented she is; she has been from a very early age. About 4 years ago she took it upon herself to offer a glass of water to every visitor we ever had to our home. I remember the first time she did it. An older neighbor and I were standing in the driveway chatting about this and that, and she came out with a tall glass of water. We both looked down at her as she shoved it up towards him and smiled. You could have pushed him over with a feather! He was as surprised as I was. She said, “Some water for you.” It may have been warm water. It often was in those early days – she hadn’t yet mastered the faucet. But she learned to use cold water and add ice and *ask* if our guest(s) would like the water. And she serves just plain water in the most beautiful way.

#4 — She loves Jesus. Pure and uncomplicated. It was long ago when I heard her crying in her bed late one night. When I asked her why, she told me it was because Jesus died on the cross and she was so sad that he had to do that. After a discussion, and prayer together, we made a little trip downstairs to tell daddy that she’d accepted Jesus into her heart. And man, has she been growing since. I wouldn’t call her a natural rule-follower, but she is sincere in her desire to do the right thing before the Lord. She is black and white about what her little heart knows about God’s word. And she’s not afraid to stand up for right. (See #2. I suggest you do as she says. You don’t want to make her mad.)

#5 — She works hard. Many things don’t come naturally to her. She has to work hard at life and learning. Lately, she’s said things like, “I can’t run as fast as the others.” And “I’m not good at reading.” Yep, both true. And when she was telling me about the neighborhood kickball game? “I was the last one to be picked . . .” My heart almost broke for her. Almost. But you know what I learned in that sweet, fleeting moment? She’s the strong one. Not me. My never-been-picked-last self doesn’t know what it’s like to push past that. So what’s a mom to say in moments when one’s adorable little heart walking around outside my body is saying things like that? I agree and say, “You don’t have to be the fastest. Or picked first. Or good at reading. You just have to do YOUR best. Because God made you just right exactly the way you are. And He loves you. And so do we!” And she seems good with that. So she keeps doing what she’s done since she was a tough little 6 pounder: fighting hard. Putting in effort. Day after day, whatever is before her. Giving HER best, even when it’s not THE best. And I just love that about her.

–Beth 🙂

P.S. If you missed the first 3 posts of this series, you can find them here, here, and here. Hint: they’re about our 3 older kids.

Christmas and New Year’s was quiet around here, and it was beautiful. Our little family of 7 enjoyed some time off work and school and enjoyed the mild weather over our first winter in Florida. The weather has been just wonderful! Most days are mild and sunny, and the evenings cool enough so that it feels cozy and warm to slip on a hoodie sweatshirt. It’s just perfect for us. Although it’s a tad cooler now, this picture was taken 2 days before Christmas:

We’ve enjoyed some visitors over the last couple months. My brother, Tim, and his wife and boys were here in December. We had a wonderful, low-key visit with them . . . soaking up some sun and catching up on each other’s lives. We sat on the beach and visited Ron Jon Surf Shop. We ate well, laughed a lot, and loved our time together.

(Trevor and Cole) (Timmy and Jake)

In January, we had my sister-in-law, Tracy, and her girls visit. It was a busy and fun-filled time, complete with a visit to SeaWorld and a drive out to the beautiful west coast. We all missed the one person we wished could also be here making memories with us. Steve is so greatly missed and thought of often. Kenny helped Jordan with the art of riding a bike while they were here. When he came inside with tears in his eyes, missing Steve, Tracy and I just about lost it. While Tracy and I drove with 6 kids out to Punta Gorda (beautiful, by the way!), we may or may not have cranked the music and danced and sang shamelessly to Shake if Off . . . and even the youngest in the suburban belted it out!

About a week after they left, our dear friends from Maryland, the Rutley family, flew in to visit. With their 4 boys joining forces with our 5 kids, we parents were significantly outnumbered! But true to form, all the kids were respectful and kind and played together as great as they always have. We, again, hit up SeaWorld and had a blast. The highlight for most of us was our visit to Wekiva Springs and the Wekiwa River. (I’ll write more on that place in another post – it was awesome!) It’s so wonderful to experience how God knits hearts in such a way that even when miles separate us from dear friends, we pick right back up where we left off and enjoy such sweet fellowship.

We’ve spent February catching up on some school and tasks around the house. Jake and Cole have been participating in a leadership class at River Run Church. They’re reading this book:

They meet weekly and have homework to complete at home. They’ve taken a spiritual gift test and that’s been neat for them to see what their God-given strengths are. Cole said to me last week, “Mom, I really like this class!” So sweet. They both diligently get their work down, most of the time without any reminding.

We’ve passed around a short-lived but nasty stomach bug. Ugh. Never a good time. In fact, it’s Dean’s turn now as I sit and type this. Poor guy! We’re hanging out on the couch together while the others are out and about. But I love how I can open the front door in the morning and leave it that way all day, with a gentle breeze and sunshine coming through the screen door. This was my view a couple afternoons ago:

Which reminds me, I joined Instagram recently. I posted that picture. Feel free to find me and follow me. It’s been fun! It allows me to post quick snippets of our lives, and share with a sweet community of friends and family, new and old.

That photo also reminds me: we’re making some changes to the front yard! I can’t wait to show you. We’ve had dirt brought in and the over-growth (palmettos everywhere!) cleared out. We’ll be planting some grass and waiting patiently for it to fill in nicely so we can romp around in our “new” front lawn! I’ll do my best keep you posted on the project. (No promises though; you know my track record!)

I think that’s enough information and pictures for one post! I hope this day finds you enjoying life and loving God.

Now that Thanksgiving is passed, I consider it officially the Christmas season!

Over these last few months, our family has had the wonderful privilege of participating in a project hosted by Samaritan’s Purse, called Operation Christmas Child. Each year, organizations and individuals have the chance to collect items to pack into a shoe box. The idea is to fill it with toiletries, toys, and trinkets for kids of different age ranges. These boxes will have the gospel message of God’s love enclosed, and then go out to kids around the world who would otherwise never receive a Christmas gift. Take a look at this official promo video from Samaritan’s Purse to see the amazing smiles of the youngsters who receive a box. It brings tears to my eyes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6VQLYfPDbE

Can I tell you? It was such a joyful project to join in on! River Run Christian Church did a super job of encouraging a collection of items to pack into the shoe boxes since July — flip flops, toothpaste and brushes, pencils and markers, notebooks, toys and more. The older kids had contests each week with their small groups over who could bring in the most items. One night the 3 of them took in 42 washcloths and 65 bars of soap! The younger 2 got to bring home an empty box and choose all the items that went into it themselves. We had a family night out at the store choosing items to go into these boxes. What a special time it was to put care and thought into what a five year old boy or a 3 year old girl in a third world country would be receiving as their (probably only) Christmas gift.

To top it all off, we joined numerous others on a Sunday afternoon and took over the gym at River Run for a “box-packing” party. Over 800 boxes were packed up that day! Each box was carefully chosen and prayed over and stacked up to be shipped out later that week. Our kids loved it. Ken and I loved it. We were blessed by the time. And I pray it will have a profound affect on our kiddos for a lifetime.

**I’m going to take a little time to write a “featurette” about each of the kids this Thanksgiving season. Because, well – I’m thankful for them! And I love ‘em. How unique they are! We are blessed by them being a part of our family and we enjoy watching each unfold into the person God has created him or her to be, and we are grateful.** If you missed the first part about Jake, you can read it here; for part 2 (about Cole), click here.

I realize that this is going out to the public on Thanksgiving Day, so before I go forward — Happy Thanksgiving! We miss so many of you, our dear family and friends. We pray today is a blessed one.

Moving right along, in no particular order, I’m sharing today about one of our sweet daughters, Halia. She was born into our family as the 3rd child. Before she was born, we were sure she was going to be a boy. Most Maucks had been boys — for generations! We were so wildly excited to welcome a daughter and sister into our little brood. And 11.4 years later, she’s still a joy (most of the time!) 🙂

Lately, these days, recently, she’s been very crafty. But then, that’s not just recent. She’s always been crafty. This week she was rather secretive about something including Mod-Podge and tin cans. I can’t wait to see what she’s come up with! (I hear Christmas is right around the corner, and have a hunch I may find out then what she’s made!) I just love ModPodge. So does she. And she uses it better than I do.

Speaking of using things, Halia is a sort-of “techie”. I actually ask her questions about how to use technology around the house. She navigates the smart TV and gets Pandora running on it, no problem. She created a couple collages online at PicMonkey (have you heard of it? It’s pretty cool!) She set contact photos for most of you on my phone. 🙂 She just picks that stuff up so easily. If she doesn’t know what to do, she clicks around and figures it out. She’s sharp.

Speaking of sharp, Halia is a natural learner. She moves through her school assignments with ease. She absorbs information throughout the day. She’s good with numbers. She’s good with words. She’s got a terrific memory, and quickly masters her weekly Bible verse from youth group. She’ll remember what artist sings which song, or what someone was wearing at a particular function.

Speaking of clothes, Halia is showing a wonderful ability to put together an outfit. We’re enjoying shopping together even more than we have in the past and she’s a great help at choosing clothing. I’ve begun to let her choose many of Marissa’s outfits out as well, because I just love what she combines. So much so, I check with her after I’ve put something on. She can assess quickly how it looks.

Speaking of quick, Halia is not. I mean to say, her brain is quick, but her body isn’t. She likes to take her time. Getting out the door, cleaning up her room, sweeping the porch, washing the dishes. She is laid back and relaxed–which I love about her–so she brings that approach to most of what she does. It’s a good balance for me. She’s creative, people. She needs time for those juices to flow!

Speaking of creative, Halia loves to make things. Her project over the last month was making a section of the barn into a play house for her and Marissa. And then they surprised Dean by creating one for him right next door to them. 🙂 She is artistic and loves to draw. She’s pretty amazing with a pen. Or marker. Could be pencil. She has even done Sharpie pictures, with big, bold lines that turn into beautiful coloring pages for Marissa. Marissa has a collection of them that she loves.

Speaking of collection, Halia is getting into photography as of late, and is racking up a nice collection of lovely flower photos. We think she’s got a good eye for it. She’s now convinced she wants to be a photographer someday. Along with some graphic design. And some singing/song-writing (she also has started writing songs and has sweetly decorated a notebook to house what she pens). 🙂

Speaking of sweet, she’s become quite a baker. Of cupcakes from scratch! Oh my, they’re delicious! My hips are not thrilled. Great baking combined with artistic ability, and she’s a force to be reckoned with! She has blessed neighbors with them. She’s blessed her dad’s colleagues. She’s blessed her small group. She’s blessed a group dinner at church. Generally, anyone who has tasted one has been blessed.

Speaking of blessed, we are — by Halia being a part of our family. Not because she can bake yummy quiche for dinner. Or because each day she wakes with a smile. Or shares her hugs freely. Or writes sweet notes of encouragement. Or plays great games with her younger brother. Or gives her younger sister a helping hand so very often. We just plain love her for the beautiful young lady she was created by God to be on the outside, and the beauty she’s choosing in her heart as she seeks to honor God with her life. She’s growing up fast and we know she’ll be spreading her wings someday. But for right now, this moment, she’s just a precious 11. And we’re grateful.

**I’m going to take a little time to write a “featurette” about each of the kids this Thanksgiving season. Because, well – I’m thankful for them! And I love ‘em. How unique they are! We are blessed by them being a part of our family and we enjoy watching each unfold into the person God has created him or her to be, and we are grateful.** If you missed the first part about Jake, you can read it here.

Today we’re featuring our 2nd born son, Cole — This guy is laid back. But hyper. He’s quiet. Yet talkative. Contradictory? Not really. Cole *is* laid back, until you feed him sugar. Then he’s hyper. And he’s quiet, until he’s really warmed up to you and has something on his mind. Then he’s very talkative.

He’s also very busy. These days, you can find him tearing through his school work. Not because he loves it. No; he’s almost always got a project on his mind and knows that getting school done will then allow him to get his chores done which will free him up to getting on with the things in life that matter most to him. Hunting. Fishing. Exploring. Creating. Building. Trapping. Making smoke bombs and fireworks. He’s got numerous hobbies and interests. Like rabbit hunting. He skinned it, cooked it, and then ate it.

“Cole??!!” I call this morning. “Yes?” He answers from the dining room table where he’s tackling grammar. Or was it signing up online for the FL boater’s licensing course? Or –is it possible– both?? Yep, I told you he’s got numerous interests. 🙂

Cole is a great student. I enjoy teaching this kid. We learn similarly so it makes homeschooling him pretty simple. He’s focused and independent. He likes a list so he knows what’s required of him. He can sit down in the middle of a crowded room, with all sorts of noise happening, and get his work done.

I just love how great he is at entertaining younger kids. He has a knack for including them in what he’s doing. He’s playful and fun and little ones are drawn to him. He’s patient with them, including his younger siblings. Dean loves to tag along with Cole and join in on all the fun adventures that are sure to be had! But it might just be tinkering in the garage. And that’s ok, because with Cole around, of course it’ll be fun. At some point, there’ll be a ‘possum in the trap or a fish in the skillet, or knee-boarding behind a golf cart (don’t ask!).

One of his latest endeavors is gardening. He began with saving pumpkin seeds to plant. Next thing I know, he’s got a garden plot in the back field. Of course that means a fence has got to go up — we have deer back there. No worries, he’s got that covered. He checks in with dad along the way, asking about using this board or that. “Who put these posts in?” I ask. (Silly question). “I did,” he answers. “What did you use?” (Another silly question.) “Those,” pointing to a digging bar and post-hole digger. He’s a man of few words when it comes to his work. The posts don’t wobble; I’m impressed, but shouldn’t be. It just surprises me that a 13 year old boy spends his free time building a fence for his garden. For fun! And to think I brought home a “surprise” for him from the hardware store: garden plants! Broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. How many kids would think that’s great??!

He can work alongside Ken on a job site and keep up. He’s got a way of thinking ahead just enough to grab that tool when Ken needs it, or hustle to the trailer for a saw. He’s strong and hardworking. He’s determined and focused and yet still has creativity running wild in his brain . . . like his latest idea of raising pigs.

Cole has a refreshingly black and white outlook on life. And sometimes annoyingly so. You know, things are not always so cut and dry. So he’s got to learn to bend a little with the gray areas of life. And realize that technology isn’t all bad! He’s sassy and sarcastic, and is learning to reign in his tongue (which happens to be my struggle too — poor kid!!) However, we love his “off the cuff” style which shows he’s not overly concerned with what others think of him.

We’re so thankful for this young man — this boy who is filling out through the shoulders and arms. Which reminds me that he’ll not be a boy much longer. I want to hang on to him. Keep him right where he’s at. He’s fun. He’s energetic. He’s uncomplicated. He’s brave. He’s deep. But I don’t think those aspects will change. I think he’ll keep those traits long into adulthood. I pray he does. God’s got something special planned for this adventurous guy! And I can’t wait to see what it is.

**I’m going to take a little time to write a “featurette” about each of the kids this Thanksgiving season. Because, well – I’m thankful for them! And I love ‘em. How unique they are! We are blessed by them being a part of our family and we enjoy watching each unfold into the person God has created him or her to be, and we are grateful.**

First in the line-up is Jake. Simply because he was born into our family first. Jake prefers to be called Jake now. So we call him Jake. Sometimes “Jacob slips out”. He doesn’t mind. ‘Cause he’s like that. He is very forgiving and understanding. Some of his greatest qualities are his consideration and thoughtfulness of others.

What’s he been up to lately? School. He’s facing 9th grade head on and is doing great! We knew this year would challenge him like no other has, since we enrolled him in Circle Christian School. It’s sweet, because of this year he says, “It’s hard, but I know it’s good for me. And I’m learning a lot, so it’s good!” That’s my boy, turning difficulties into learning opportunities and making something positive of it. 🙂

Now, I have to brag about him for just a moment: he’s getting superb grades. Like, “straight A’s” superb. And we’re not talking simple subject matters. He’s read books such as The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne), America’s Last Best Hope (William Bennett) and Know What You Believe (Paul Little). He’s writing essays and giving presentations (including one on the Great Awakening in full costume– wig and all! I promised I wouldn’t include a photo of that. You know, he *is* 15 and all.) He’s had biology quizzes and passages to memorize and hours of algebra.

Jake is smart but I want to say, because I’m just so proud of him, school truly doesn’t come very easy to him. So I admire how hard he works to reach such high achievements in all his honors’ classes. And the only reason I mention that is because I believe it displays part of his character. Not to say that coming by something easily isn’t wonderful, but when one truly has to work hard to obtain what one earns, it’s exceptional – it shows commitment and determination. I see that in him.

Besides school, he’s enjoying the youth group at River Run Christian Church. I can’t say enough good things about them! He’s meeting friends (some he calls “buddies” because he doesn’t think they’ve become close enough yet to reach “friend” status – this guy gets it! Facebook doesn’t have anything on him!) He’s volunteering with Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings. He’s getting the hang of texting and loves to try keeping in touch with friends and family far away.

He loves to fish, has started running, and has a new pull up bar scored at a yard sale that now hangs from a door way in the house and is put to use several times a day. He’s begun collecting quotes and has a penchant for sharing them at appropriate moments, which of course, I think is fabulous. I do love some good quotes myself! He writes down his favorite songs and enjoys music, as the whole household does.

Being Jake, he has a knack for stirring up trouble with siblings and getting them riled. But one would be rather boring if one didn’t have a sense of mischief now and then, don’t you think?? 🙂 And I have to remind him regularly that he was once 7 (like his little brother), and just as much a rascal!

I just love this kid, no longer a kid. Recently, in line at a local store, a mom was chasing down her active toddler, looking weary and tired. She made a comment about “kids!!” I turned and looked at the “kid” next to me – now taller than me, with broadening shoulders and masculine features . . . amazingly, looking like his father and mother, all in one person. And I smiled at him. My “kid” is almost grown up. And I love him more than I did the day I gave birth to him. My heart aches knowing I’ll send him off on his own — too soon! But it also soars, knowing this young man loves my Jesus – HIS Jesus. So I trust him to the One that created him and is allowing us to “borrow” him for a little while. My, how fast it goes! Yep, I’m thankful for Jake.

P.S. Because just one cute young man holding a cute baby photo is not enough . . .

We had the privilege of hosting our first official guest since moving into this house. I say “official”, because dad helped us move in and actually stayed overnight in the house before we did. But it wasn’t pretty. It was just him, a pillow, and an air mattress. He was a trooper!

But now, NOW we have the guest room all ready. We scurried around to put the finishing touches on it before the guest arrived. (More on the room another time.)

Let’s talk about the guest — who was it? It was my mom! It was so nice having her here! She flew in 2 Mondays ago and stayed for about 6 days. Dad was working back in MD, so mom traveled alone this time. She was easy to accommodate. Her plane actually landed early and she didn’t even say so — she just waited at the airport!

We picked her up and she fell right in line with what we had going for the week. Which wasn’t all that exciting. Mostly just school and work (for Ken). We had a lovely time with her, though. The younger two practiced their reading with her each day, and she read The Long Winter to them. We ran a few errands, ate a few meals at home and a few meals out. She made a trip to the grocery store for me, and hung out with the kids while Ken and I attended a school gathering. She told the kids plenty of stories about her childhood, which prompted Cole to let me know after she’d been gone for a couple days that I didn’t tell good stories. I guess I need to improve that.

A few highlights of the visit were the boys taking her fishing (well, it might have been their highlight, not hers.) They caught their biggest bass ever!

We visited some local thrift shops. Three, to be exact. It was wonderful, since we hadn’t scouted those out before then. And at the last one we found what we had been looking for. Mom had a great idea of fixing up some older furniture pieces into a play kitchen for the girls’ “play house” out in the barn. She patiently planned and painted with Halia:

and they turned a couple of cabinets and a little wooden stand into this:

This is mom and the girls using the golf cart to “deliver” the kitchen to the play house in the barn:

Mom took a late night trip to the emergency room with the girls and I as well, to be sure Halia hadn’t broken her arm; thankfully, it was just sprained.

We also visited Park Ave in Winter Park and enjoyed some burgers at an outdoor table. It was a beautiful day! We strolled the avenue and the kids got some ice cream. We laughed a lot while we watched Tim Hawkins’ Greatest Bits dvd — oh my word, did we laugh! She also helped put together a new chore system for me to orchestrate with the kids! So far, we’re one week into it, it’s going well. Thanks, mom! The kids just loved having you here! No really, they did. 😉

Even at the end of the visit, Ken and I enjoyed our extra time with her while we drove her out to the airport in Tampa. A family member had given her a ticket for her return flight, so it was free and that part was great, but Tampa’s a little far — and due to a traffic backup from an accident on I-4 coming home, I think she actually landed before Ken and I pulled back into our driveway! But we stopped and had dinner, so it worked out well — like a little bonus date for us.

It was a special visit with Grandmom and we are thankful she took time to join in on life down here with us. Ken said to me: “She was easy to have here!” Words like that from a son-in-law means it must have been a successful visit. 🙂

I have a post about creating guest space coming up soon! But it’s a bit long and has many photos. I’m also full of things to share about the kids. So stay tuned in the near future for that as well. I just have something short to share quickly!

Wednesday, I went to a follow up with my doctor. Sometime I’ll have to share with you how much Ken and I have improved our health by going to him! But the real point of telling you that is because after the appointment, I got to shop at Whole Foods (since it’s right around the corner from the doctor’s and NOT right around the corner from us). By myself! So fun. It was great to wander around a little and find some specialty groceries that I can’t get a Sam’s Club, Costco, or Publix.

The best part about it (besides finding our hormone-free Thanksgiving turkey!!)?? The floral department!! Our local Publix doesn’t have one. I looked around the floral section, admiring the colors of fall but thinking ahead to Christmas. They had some darling arrangements made up and placed in mason jars, which I think would have looked just right in our home. But they were $15 each. 😦

I like long-lasting arrangements that can take me from one holiday to another without much effort . . . or cash. I wanted something I could get more mileage from and more than one vase-full. With that in mind, I picked out these 3 “bunches”, for $3.99, $5.99 and $6.99:

Then I rummaged around the china hutch to find containers worthy of such floral simplicity. Here’s what I chose:

Then I found glass “inserts” to hold the water that fit inside the containers without showing:

Let the fun begin! I just started tucking the greens into the “vases”, and added the sprigs of curly twigs:

And popped in the spring-looking but only white flowers available in the floral department at Whole Foods (and I just loved the idea of fresh and bright white flowers in my kitchen):

Hmmm, something missing. Oh yeah, those $15 mason jar arrangements had some pinecones. I happen to have a few in my stash:

Lovely! Now, just one more thing . . . I tied a ribbon onto one (for the dining room table):

and tied some jute twine on the two for the kitchen (sorry, bad glare from the lanai windows):

I am so happy with how simple and cheery these turned out. I have one for the kitchen table, the kitchen island, and the dining table. They would be stunning clustered together with some candles for a statement making centerpiece, but for now I’m enjoying them in their varying spots. 3 centerpieces for $17! Not bad! And I know greenery lasts longer than flowers, so when the daisies wear out, I’ll pull them and stick something into the greens and branches and pinecones that says “Christmas”. I have berries in mind. And a few sprigs of pine. For now, I’ll enjoy the daisies. Bring on the turkey!

–Beth 🙂

P.S. I used some floral wire to secure the pinecones to the lower part of the curly branches that I had snipped for the arrangements. Then I could stick them right down into the vase where I wanted them. Just in case you were wondering. 😉

It’s so easy to get our eyes off all the blessings God bestows. Most of them we probably missed the first time around! But sometimes something comes along that one just can’t deny is a tremendous act of God’s outpouring of love in a tangible way. We celebrate those moments and thank the Lord for them. Inevitably, life continues and can soon choke out that gratefulness we feel about said blessing.

I wanted to take just a moment to write of such a blessing, not so much for telling all of you, but to force me to slow down and concretely commemorate God’s tender provisions by putting it into writing. It’s a way of re-celebrating how intimately involved God wants to be in even little aspects of our daily lives – areas we think may be “off limits” or out of His realm of caring.

Go back with me a few weeks. Surely you remember the {dining room table} that I’ve mentioned more than once. You may recall that it came with six chairs, 2 of which were {arm chairs} that I painted and am currently using at the ends of the table. I was left with 4 side chairs that I began to refinish for use at the kitchen table. The legs got painted. I began to staple fabric onto the chairs, fabric that began as an extra Ikea curtain panel I had on hand. I struggled. I tried. I wanted to like how it was turning out and told myself this would fabulous in the end.

My sweet husband saw my struggle and noticed my frustration. He kindly encouraged me to just get rid of the chairs and we’d do something else in the kitchen. Whew! Relief. So I listed them on Craigslist with sad little pictures. Solid chairs, good “bones”, in a sad state, a perfect project for an ambitious person: $15 each.

In an hour I got an email from one woman who wanted them. The next day she was to come out, so I told another woman who emailed that they were spoken for. However, first woman emailed me the next morning to say that her husband wanted her to wait since they were in the middle of a remodel. I understood. Boy, did I understand!! I respected that she respected her, probably respectable, husband. Still with me??

I emailed second woman and told her the chairs were once again available. She was thrilled and planned to drive out the next day, double checking on my asking price. She arrived the next morning with her son. She took a look at the chairs, oohed and ahhed that they were just was she was needing. She already had the fabric she would be using to complete them and looked forward to putting them into her French Country kitchen. We chatted about big moves, major changes, following Christ, and, as she was a few years ahead in her journey through life, she encouraged me to keep believing God has big things in store for our family! She was a breath of fresh air to my soul and I was so refreshed by this woman God brought to our home through Craigslist.

As she pulled her money out of her pocket, she talked about how God laid on her heart to pay more. She handed me the roll of 20’s and insisted I take $100 for them rather than the $60 I had asked for. Wow!! That has never happened to me in the history of selling on Craigslist! I refused but her son said, “She wants to do this. Please take it.” I humbly thanked her and received the blessing she wanted to bestow.

I have begun reading One Thousand Gifts Devotional (by Ann Voskamp) after receiving it as a birthday gift from a dear friend. I pray my eyes will be more and more opened to the “manna” we are fed from God; the daily food from His hand – the food needed for just today. You see, it wasn’t just the money. It was everything about the exchange. It was the encouragement one lover of Christ can offer another. The hug one older mamma can give a younger one, as if pumping just a little more stamina into her for the day. It’s the proof that God does not give up. That He doesn’t lead you to or into something and then let you go it on your own. It’s a little sign that He will provide fellowship and communion in places least expected.

Thank the Lord with me for Darlene, my Craigslist “buddy”, and her family, and pray that they will be richly blessed by the hands of God, as she has blessed our family by her encouragement and unnecessary generosity. And pray my simple eyes will be more opened to less obvious ways God provides, though still provisions and acts of love, nonetheless.

Let’s hear it for last-minute decisions to visit friends and family!! Ken and I decided that the kids and I would make a trip up north when we realized that Jake had a week OFF classes and Ken had a week FULL of classes (and an all-important test for his FL contractor’s licensing). A quiet house for Ken and a busy week of social engagements for the kids and me turned out to be a win-win for all!

We had a wonderful time in MD, and the bonus was Ken joined us for a couple days when it turned out that he needed to get a truck and trailer up to Maryland. It was a long drive for him, especially to turn around and drive back with us two days later, but it was so nice to see him earlier than we thought, and he enjoyed the chance to [briefly] see family and a couple friends.

We had a super busy and fun week, and packed our days with activities and visiting. It was fantastic to catch up with grandparents, BFF’s, cousins, aunts and uncles, and bask in the cool fall weather. We hit a pumpkin patch (where it rained the whole time!); joined in on a tradition of making apple cider with my family; got a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay with Ken’s family; celebrated my birthday (several times over — thanks, everyone!!) and generally just had a blast. Here are some pictures to prove it:

I have to say, the drive up was very pleasant – it’s an easy-to-navigate route and the kids were wonderful (most of the time!) There was that moment when some unmentionable liquid spilled a bit on a family member’s backpack. There was also the normal sibling bickering and of course, the restlessness that kicks in at about the 11th hour. We drove through rain the last couple hours. But all in all, I have no complaints and would do it again! Thanks to all our Maryland friends and family for making our visit such a memorable one. See you again soon! 🙂